Anyone operating a parking lot without a permit will be subject to being shut down and likely issued an administrative subpoena, he said.

During Jazz Fest, parking laws also will be strictly enforced. Tickets will be issued to vehicles that block hydrants, driveways and sidewalks, or that park within 20 feet of a crosswalk, intersection or a stop sign.

Drivers are reminded to park in the direction of travel on one-way streets, and with the right wheels to the curb on two-way streets.

City officials also plan to strictly enforce laws that bar transient vendors from operating during the festival dates -- Friday through Sunday, and May 3 through 6 -- inside the so-called "clean zone" around the Fair Grounds. The area is bounded by Florida Avenue, North Broad and Esplanade avenues and Bayou St. John.

Businesses within the zone can sell products at their locations as long as they don't block the sidewalk or street.

"Our goal is make commercial business owners and non-profit managers aware of the rules and regulations, and to eliminate confusion in advance," Deputy Mayor Andy Kopplin said in a prepared statement. "City enforcement officials will be on site to ensure that local businesses are in compliance with city ordinances."

Festival-goers are encouraged to park in downtown long-term lots and to use public transit or Gray Line Tours' shuttle service to get to the Fair Grounds. The tour-bus operator will operate continuous round-trip rides from the Sheraton Hotel at 500 Canal St., the Steamboat Natchez Dock at Toulouse Street and the Mississippi River, and Marconi Meadow at City Park daily starting at 10:30 a.m.

Round-trip shuttle tickets from the downtown locations cost $18. Round-trip tickets from City Park cost $14. One-way tickets to leave the Fair Grounds cost $10. One-way tickets to the festival site are not available.